Bangladesh
Covid-19: Bangladesh reports 56 deaths, 1,386 new cases
Bangladesh reported 56 more Coronavirus-related deaths and 1,386 new cases in a 24-hour period until Sunday morning.The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said the latest fatalities took the country’s death toll to 11,934 while the mortality rate remained static at 1.54 percent.Besides, the DGHS said, the new cases were detected after testing 16,915 samples, pushing up the total case count to 773,513. Bangladesh has so far carried out 5,630,894 tests.After a massive upsurge, the number of daily cases fell below 2,000 since May 1. There has been a steady decline in the number of tests since April 28. The number of testes rose again over 20,000 on May 4, 5 and 6, according to corona.gov.bd.The daily infection rate fell to 8.19%, which was 8.74% a day before, according to the DGHS.The number of Covid deaths came down to as low as 50 after over a month on Wednesday.Bangladesh saw 50 deaths on April 1 and it had kept rising since then.The daily death toll soared to over 100 on April 16-19 and on April 25 but has been falling gradually since then.According to the DGHS, 3,329 patients recovered in the past 24 hours, putting the recovery rate at 91.81%. The country reported its first coronavirus cases on March 8 last year and the first death on the 18th of that month.Dhaka remains worst-hit region
Dhaka has remained the worst-hit region, recording 6,922 fatalities or 58% of the total deaths until now.Twenty-two of the 56 virus-related deaths recorded today are from Dhaka and 21 from Chattogram.Indian Coronavirus strain detectedA confirmed case of Indian Coronavirus strain was detected in Bangladesh on Saturday, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) confirmed.The Indian strain was detected in a sample test at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka and it has been published in Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID), said IEDCR's chief scientific officer ASM Alamgir.Two more confirmed cases of Indian Coronavirus strain were detected at the Genome Centre of Jashore University of Science and Technology on the same day.India reported over 4,00,000 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday, taking the caseload to over 2.2 crore. With 4,133 new deaths, the toll now stands at over 2,42,000.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh sees 45 more deaths with 1285 new casesInto the fourth week of extended lockdownThe government has issued a notification extending the ongoing lockdown until May 16 with six fresh directives alongside the existing ones to contain the spread of Covid-19.The country is passing through a ‘strict’ lockdown since April 14 but people are still indifferent towards health guidelines and safety rules.According to the notification issued by the Cabinet Division, the officials of all government, semi-government autonomous and private organisations, banks and financial institutions have been asked to remain at their respective workstations during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.Shops and shopping malls will remain open from 10am to 8pm maintaining health guidelines. If any kind of deviation and violation are seen, the shopping malls and shops will be closed instantly, says the notification.Inter-district transport services will remain closed while intra-district transport services were allowed to operate ensuring health guidelines from Thursday. However, launch and train services will remain off.Amid a mad rush of home-bound people ahead of Eid, ferry services on Paturia-Daulatdia and Shimulia-Banglabazar routes have been suspended on Saturday to curb the spread of Covid-19.However, vessels carrying patients and goods will be allowed to cross the rivers, said BIWTC public relations officer Nazrul Islam. Vaccination driveBangladesh launched its vaccination drive on February 7 with Oxford-AstraZeneca doses purchased from India's Serum Institute.Bangladesh signed an agreement with Serum for 30 million doses. But a record number of cases in India has made the delivery of the doses uncertain.The administering of the first dose has remained suspended in Bangladesh since April 26. Also, the country, the prime recipient of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, has suspended the registration for Covid-19 jabs due to vaccine shortage amid a delay in the timely arrival of shipments from India.However, DGHS DG Prof ABM Khurshid Alam assured that Bangladesh would get 2.1 million doses of vaccines by early May.Dwindling vaccine stockThe DGHS on Wednesday said the stock of the Covid-19 vaccine is dwindling in Bangladesh as there are only 1.4 million jabs left with no sign in sight to get a fresh consignment of it from India.DGHS spokesperson Dr Robed Amin said, "We had around 10.2 million doses. Around 8.8 million jabs have already been administered as the first and second doses. Now we've some 1.4 million doses in stock."He said there will be a vaccine crisis if a fresh consignment does not arrive in the country before the existing stock is exhausted.Vaccine expected from USForeign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said the government has intensified its efforts to have vaccine jabs from the USA as it will share up to 60 million doses of its Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine with other countries.Vaccine productionWith India slapping a ban on the export of AstraZeneca vaccines made by its Serum Institute, Bangladesh is trying to get technology from Russia and China to produce their vaccines locally.The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on April 28 approved in principle a proposal for producing Russian and Chinese Covid-19 vaccines in Bangladesh.The government on April 29 approved the emergency use of Sinopharm, a Chinese Covid-19 vaccine, a day after approving the emergency use of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine."We'll get 5,00,000 doses of the Chinese vaccine as a gift within 7-10 days. Then the government will start buying those on a G2G basis," Mahbubur Rahman, director general of the Directorate General of Drug Administration told reporters.END/UNB/FA/ZK
Facebook, UN Women partner to train community orgs on online safety in Bangladesh
Facebook has partnered with UN Women Bangladesh to conduct a daylong virtual programme on digital citizenship and online safety for over 80 participants from 30 grassroots and community organizations in Bangladesh.
Representatives from Facebook led sessions covering a wide range of topics including managing digital presence, privacy tools, and online safety for women.
Also Read: Women often assaulted online in Asia but find limited recourse: UN Women study
“Women around the world are empowered by digital tools to organize for causes they care about. At Facebook, we continue to invest in digital literacy and citizenship, resiliency, and safety programs around the world, including Bangladesh. We are delighted to partner with UN Women in Bangladesh as we support and promote communities led by women and invested in women,” said Beth Ann Lim, Director of Policy Programs for Facebook in Asia Pacific.
This workshop marks a continuation of Facebook’s partnership with UN Women Bangladesh which began on International Women’s Day in March this year, through LedByHer, a social media campaign to feature Bangladeshi women leaders and the role that digital platforms can play to tell their stories and build resilience.
Later this year, Facebook and UN Women Bangladesh will be hosting a series of intergenerational dialogues between women of different ages from the same fields.
Shoko Ishikawa, Country Representative for UN Women Bangladesh said digital space has given a new dimension to gender-based violence that continues to be normalized and embedded in our societies.
Also Read: Facebook supports COVID-19 health awareness and vaccine rollout in Bangladesh
UN Women Bangladesh is working with public and private universities to build the capacity of young women for creating positive content and counter misogynistic speech, she said.
“We thank Facebook for this partnership and hope it will help organizations working on women empowerment, human rights and marginalized populations to use digital tools more effectively and build a more inclusive community.”
Facebook regularly engages with civil society groups in Bangladesh and around the world to help inform its policies and programs.
This workshop is just one of its investments to build a safer digital space in Bangladesh, especially for women.
The company has plans to build on the workshop and work closely with organizations and community groups to increase their capacity and help create a more informed and responsible online community.
Also read:90,000 adolescents to get training on online safety
Last year, Facebook launched its flagship program We Think Digital in Bangladesh in partnership with the ICT Division, Ministry of Education and UNDP Bangladesh.
This global program helps people improve their digital capabilities and promotes responsible digital citizenship, as well as critical thinking and sharing thoughtfully online.
Will build planned cities in all districts: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said the government will build planned cities in all districts of the country, not only in Dhaka.
"We’ll make planned housing in every division and district…it’ll no longer be Dhaka-centric one so that people have a better life [everywhere]," Sheikh Hasina said.
Also Read:Will work together to overcome Covid crisis: Hasina to Mamata
The Prime Minister said this while addressing a function marking the handover of plot documents to 1,440 original residents and affected people of Purbachal New Town Project.
She joined the programme, held at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
She said the government is also taking steps so that people in rural areas can avail themselves of civic amenities that the city dwellers are enjoying.
"Everyone has a desire to live in a city. So, we’ve decided that the people living in villages will be provided with facilities like that of a city," she said.The government is constructing roads, bridges and appropriate infrastructures across the country, Hasina said, adding that a project, 'Palli Janopod', has been taken so that one can buy a flat if he/she wants to live in a flat.
Also read:Antimicrobial resistance can even threaten food security: PM Hasina
The Prime Minister said the government is taking various steps so that people can manage their livelihood living in flats.
The Prime Minister reiterated her firm commitment that no one in the country will remain homeless. "We’ll arrange a shelter for everybody whatever and however we could.”
She also said every house will have the electricity connection which will illuminate it. "Every house will have educated people. The country will march forward with education and knowledge, and it’ll have a glorified position in the world.”
Hasina went on saying, “Bangladesh is now a developing nation, and this country will advance further. We’ll be the wonder of the world."
New variant of coronavirusTalking about the new variant of coronavirus that spread widely in neighbouring India, she said all have to remain alert and must wear masks.
"As the neighbouring country is hit hard by the new variant. There’s a possibility for it to enter Bangladesh," she said.
Also Read: As India surges, Bangladesh lacks jabs, faces virus variants
She criticised a section of people for their desperate bid to go to their village homes defying all the restrictions at this critical time of pandemic.
"All are travelling together in ferries and other vehicles. You don’t know who’s infected with coronavirus. You’re carrying that virus to your family members. You’re going to infect them, too. You’re going to put their lives in danger as well," she said.
Hasina questioned what problem they will face if one Eid is celebrated without all other family members and relatives. It will help save all from coronavirus infections, she said.
State Minister Housing and Public Works Ministry Sharif Ahmed, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Housing and Public Works Ministry Engineer Mosharrof Hossain , Housing and Public Works secretary Shahid Ullah Khandaker also spoke on the occasion.
Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi was present at the dais.
Also read: Celebrate Eid where you are: PM Hasina
Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) Chairman ABM Amin Ullah Nuri delivered the welcome speech.
State Minister Housing and Public Works Ministry Sharif Ahmed handed over the allotment papers on behalf of the Prime Minister.
As India surges, Bangladesh lacks jabs, faces virus variants
India’s surge in coronavirus cases is having a dangerous effect on neighboring Bangladesh. Health experts warn of imminent vaccine shortages just as the country should be stepping up its vaccination drive, and as more contagious virus variants are beginning to be detected.
On Saturday, health authorities said that for the first time, a coronavirus variant originally identified in India was detected in Bangladesh, without providing further details. For weeks, South African variants have dominated the samples sequenced in Bangladesh. There are concerns that these versions spread more easily and that first-generation vaccines could be less effective against them.
Experts say that declining infections in Bangladesh over the last two weeks compared to March and early April — for reasons that aren’t fully understood — provided the perfect opportunity for the nation to scale up vaccinations.
Also read: Bangladesh detects first case of Indian Coronavirus strain
“This is the time to vaccinate, keep infections low and make sure that new variants don’t emerge here,” said Senjuti Saha, a scientist at the Child Health Research Foundation in Bangladesh, who is also sequencing the virus.
However, India has banned the export of vaccines as it grapples with the crisis at home. The country’s Serum Institute was supposed to supply 30 million vaccine doses — 5 million doses a month — to Bangladesh by June. But the institute has only supplied 7 million doses and has suspended further shipments since February.
“It’s caused a real problem,” said Dr. A.S.M. Alamgir, a scientist with the government’s Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research.
Also read: Border with India to remain shut for another 14 days
Fearing shortages, the government late last month stopped allowing people to register for a first vaccine dose, and the administration of second doses is also being hampered.
The densely-populated country of 160 million is desperately seeking new avenues for vaccines other than India, and is attempting to produce Russian and Chinese vaccines at home by bringing technology from both countries. Bangladesh is expecting 500,000 doses of Chinese vaccines next week as a gift from Beijing, and has also sought help from the United States.
Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, a scientist of the Dhaka-based International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, said threats from new variants remained a big concern, especially when vaccines are not available.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh sees 45 more deaths with 1285 new cases
Although the border with India is closed to people, goods continue to cross. Virus sequencing in Bangladesh, like other countries including the U.S., has been scant. This means there could easily be blind spots.
“We can’t rule out that the Indian variant would not make a new wave in Bangladesh. We have a porous border with India,” Alamgir said.
Since March of last year, when the first COVID-19 case was detected in Bangladesh, the country has reported 770,842 confirmed virus cases and 11,833 deaths.
Also read: India's surge hits southern states, prompts more lockdowns
A nationwide lockdown has been extended until at least May 16, but many businesses, markets and local transportation remain crowded. Although inter-city travel is banned, tens of thousands are expected to leave the capital of Dhaka for their home villages to celebrate next week’s Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
“If we fail to maintain safety procedures across the country, the virus will make its natural progression, that’s for sure,” he said.
Bangladesh detects first case of Indian Coronavirus strain
A confirmed case of Indian Coronavirus strain has been detected in Bangladesh, says the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research(IEDCR).
"The Indian variant of Coronavirus was detected in a sample test at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. It has been published on Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data(GSID)," said chief scientific officer of IEDCR ASM Alamgir.
Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) DG Dr ABM Khurshid Alam also told the media that the Indian variant of Coronavirus has been found in Bangladesh.
The infected patients returned from India. They had been there for treatment, and now they’re staying in Jeshore,” he added.
Professor Nasima Sultana, additional director general of the institution, also confirmed the development at a press conference in the afternoon.
She said, “Jessore University of Science and Technology and IEDCR conducted separate examinations on the samples of 8 persons in Jessore. The Indian variant was found in 2 of them by both the institutions.”
Also read: Border with India to remain shut for another 14 days
“ Besides, 4 other samples tested there were found very similar to that of the Indian strain,” she added.
Besides, the DGHS said 60 of India returnees, who are now there in institutional quarantine, came here after getting infected there. But it is not sure yet whether they were infected with the Indian variant, it said. The Genome Centre of Jessore University of Science and Technology also confirmed the findings through a press release today.
According to the press release, three among 16 Indian returnees tested positive for Covid-19 recently after entering Bangladesh.
Their samples were collected from Jessore General Hospital and sent to the university lab on May 6.
A research team, led by the Assistant Director of the Genome Centre Dr Md Iqbal Kabir identified the Indian Covid variant in two of the collected samples through sequencing.
Earlier, on May 3, the DGHS said the government would be confirmed within a few days whether the highly contagious Indian variant of coronavirus has already reached Bangladesh as an investigation was on in this regard.
Also read: Indian Covid Strain: Two more cases identified in Jessore
Speaking at a virtual press briefing, DGHS spokesperson Dr Nazmul Islam, said, "We may be able to say it in a few days whether the Indian strain of Covid-19 has come to Bangladesh or not."
He said the samples of those who tested positive for coronavirus after entering Bangladesh from India are being collected.
“These samples are being sent for genome sequencing…we’ll share it with you immediately after receiving the report.”
India is experiencing a horrific Covid situation as its crematoriums and burial grounds are being overwhelmed by the devastating new surge of infections tearing through the populous country with terrifying speed, depleting the supply of life-saving oxygen to critical levels and leaving patients to die while waiting in line to see doctors, reports AP from New Delhi.
India recorded over 4 lakh new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours ending 8 am Saturday, taking the country’s total caseload to over 2.18 crore. Out of these, over 37 lakh cases are currently active while over 1.79 crore people have recovered.
With 4,187 new deaths, the toll now stands at over 2.38 lakh. At least 14 states are reporting cases in five figures.
Also read: India's surge hits southern states, prompts more lockdowns
Maharashtra reported about 54,000 cases, Karnataka had nearly 49,000, while Kerala had over 38,000.
On April 26, Bangladesh closed its border with India for any kind of movement except that of cargoes for the next 14 day to prevent the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.
The Indian variant of Covid-19 viruses mutate all the time, producing different versions of themselves. Most of these mutations are insignificant - and some may even make the virus less dangerous - but others can make it more contagious and harder to vaccinate against.
The original India variant - officially known as B.1.617 - was first detected in October, reports the BBC.
That version has now been re-characterised as three different subtypes, all with slightly different genetic mutations.
India has said a new variant of the coronavirus first discovered there in March may be linked to a deadly second wave, according to another BBC report.
Samples containing the "double mutant"- or B.1.617 variant - have been found in several states with high case numbers.
An official at the National Centre for Disease Control said, however, that they had still been unable to fully establish a correlation.
A double mutant is when two mutations come together in the same virus.
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka ODI series: Tigers start practising
Bangladesh players Friday started practising session ahead of the three-match home ODI series against Sri Lanka this month.
All the cricketers – except for all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and pacer Mustafizur Rahman – of the preliminary squad joined the day's practice session at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Shakib and Mustafiz are now in 14-day quarantine after returning from India Thursday.
Also Read:Soumya eyes home series win against Lankans
On May 1, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 23-member preliminary squad for the Sri Lanka series. However, a partial practice session of the cricketers, who were not included in the Sri Lanka Test series squad, started on that day.
Bangladesh got all the cricketers back together for a full practice session Friday as the Test squad joined the day's practice after completing their three-day quarantine upon returning home from Sri Lanka Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the BCB announced the itinerary for this month's Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series against the Tigers.
Also Read:BCB announces itinerary for Sri Lanka's tour of Bangladesh
The Lankans will arrive in the capital on May 16 to play three day-night basis ODI matches on May 23, 25 and 28 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.
Soon after their arrival, the Sri Lanka team will go for three-day quarantine from May 16-18. On completion of the quarantine period, the tourists will have an opportunity to conduct a two-day training session during May 19-20. Later, the Lankans will play a one-day practice match on May 21 at BKSP in Savar.
Bangladesh played a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka recently and lost the series 1-0.
Also read:Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Key ODI Records
Bangladesh's preliminary ODI squad
Tamim Iqbal Khan, Naim Sheikh, Imrul Kayes, Liton Kumar Das, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Md Mithun, Mahmud Ullah, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Musaddek Hossain Saikat, Mahedi Hasan, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Saif Uddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Shohidul Islam
UAE provides 50 mts humanitarian food aid to Bangladesh
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has provided 50 metric tonnes of food aid to Bangladesh as a part of its humanitarian initiatives during the holy month of Ramadan.
Fine quality of rice, sugar, oil, milk, tea powder, salt, lentil, beans, flour, macaroni etc are among the food aid items.
Chargé d'affaires at the UAE Embassy in Dhaka Abdulla Ali AlHmoudi officially handed over the aid to the Md. Anisur Rahman, Director, Department of Disaster Management of Bangladesh at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday.
Also Read: Coronavirus: UAE extends amnesty for visa violators till Nov 17
Earlier, a special flight of Etihad Airways carrying the humanitarian food aid landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Chargé d'affaires Abdulla Ali AlHmoudi said the UAE shares historical ties with Bangladesh characterized by friendship and cooperation in various fields.
Also Read: Bangladesh, UAE sign four MoUs on big projects
"The aid has been provided to help address the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, as these circumstances require solidarity and international cooperation, especially during the holy month of Ramadan”.
In April 2020, the UAE sent a plane containing 7 metric tonnes of medical supplies to Bangladesh to support the country in containing the spread of Covid-19, he said.
These supplies benefited more than 7,000 healthcare workers in their efforts to combat the pandemic, the envoy added.
Bangladeshi scholars invited to join Saudi events
The Saudi government has invited Bangladeshi scientists, academics and experts to participate in an international competition and conference on various scientific knowledge on Disability Research.
The Authority for the Care of Persons with Disability in Saudi Arabia will host the international competition for disability research - third session - and the 6th international conference on disability and rehabilitation during the January 25-27 period.
The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Dhaka informed that the competition and conference will be held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.
Also Read:Saudi investors want to invest $5bn in Bangladesh: Ambassador Essa
The title of the competition is “Empowering Individuals with Disabilities from Childhood to Adulthood-Between Research & Practice.”
The Organising Committee will bear all the expenses, including travel expenditures and accommodation for the selected participants from outside of Saudi Arabia.
Interested participants from Bangladesh can visit the following website https://icdr.org.sa for detailed information regarding the participation in the competition and conference, said the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday.
Unicef lauds release of 345 detained children in Bangladesh
Unicef on Thursday commended the recent release of 345 children from detention centres in Bangladesh by virtual courts.
“This marks an important step towards children’s access to justice in Bangladesh and places the protection, safety and best interests of children first,” said Unicef Representative in Bangladesh Tomoo Hozumi on the release of the children from detention centres.
Also Read:UNICEF for maintaining positive child immunization trend in Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Supreme Court established the use of virtual courts in May 2020 with support from Unicef.
Since then, over 1,400 children have been released from detention centres thanks to virtual courts. Less than 0.5 per cent of these children have reoffended following their release.
“Detention takes its heavy toll on children’s mental and physical health so unnecessary institutionalisation must be avoided. Unicef calls for the introduction of non-custodial solutions for children who are victims, witnesses or accused of crimes,” Hozumi said in the statement.
The Unicef Representative in Bangladesh said all children who can safely return to their families or appropriate alternative care should be released from detention centres.
“This is particularly important during the current pandemic lockdown when centre staffing is limited and children face heightened risk of infection, neglect and abuse in the overcrowded detention centres.
Hozumi said Bangladesh has demonstrated a strong leadership during the pandemic by embracing judicial reforms for the benefit of children and their rights. “We must continue to build on this momentum by expediting child-related cases which are pending in the justice system and keeping thousands of children in detention.”
Also Read: Mental health alert for 332 million children linked to COVID-19 lockdown policies: UNICEF
Unicef lends its full support to the government of Bangladesh, the Supreme Court Special Committee on Child Rights, and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs to improve children’s access to justice, Hozumi added.
“By strengthening the application of the Children’s Act 2013, we can prevent child detention in Bangladesh, including at the police level.”
Serum to return money if it fails to provide vaccine: Finance Minister
Serum Institute of India will return the money paid by Bangladesh for purchasing the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine if it fails to supply vaccine, said Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal.
“We don’t know whether the vaccine will come or not. If we’re informed that the vaccine won’t come, then we’ll take the final decision,” he said while briefing reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase.
Mustafa Kamal, however, said negotiations with Serum are going on and nothing is final yet.
The minister said the agreement was signed with Serum for vaccine maintaining all the standards of an international contract usually has.
“This is not a verbal deal and there’re contractual obligations from the birth sides — Bangladesh and India,” he said adding that their obligation is to provide the vaccine to us.
Also read: India's Serum to produce Covid jabs overseas: Report
Mustafa Kamal went on saying, “We’ve been trying to get the (Oxford) vaccine. We’re also trying to get vaccines from other sources as vaccines are very important to save the lives of people.”
Vaccine stock running out
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has said the stock of the Covid-19 vaccine in Bangladesh is running out as there are only 14 lakh jabs in government hands with no sign in sight to get a fresh consignment of it from India.
Speaking at a virtual press briefing on Wednesday, DGHS spokesperson Dr Robed Amin said, “We had around one crore and two lakh vaccines in our hands…around 88 lakh jabs have already been administered as the first and second doses. Now we’ve some 14 lakh doses in stock.”
Also read: Bangladesh OKs Import of 30m Oxford-AstraZeneca doses from Serum
He said there will be a vaccine crisis if a fresh consignment does not arrive in the country before the existing stock is exhausted.
Robed said 58,19,719 people have so far received the first dose of the vaccine while 30,23,169 got the second one.
As per official statistics, the country lacks over 14 lakh second doses of the vaccine to administer those who received the first jab.
Also read: India's Serum Institute to launch another Covid vaccine by June
Amid the vaccine crisis, the government suspended administering the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on April 26.
The DGHS spokesman, however, hoped that the county may get vaccine doses from Chain before Eid-ul-Fitr.